This week, the Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) introduced a new online procedure for filling out passport application forms. This new process, according to BCA, will make the process faster and will reduce data entry errors by eliminating manual data entry of handwritten application forms.

Under this new process, individuals applying for U.S. passports will no longer be required to handwrite personal data; instead, applicants will enter electronically their personal information on a secure website dedicated to the passport application process. Individuals will then print the completed form, which will include a barcode containing all the relevant information. The barcode will then be read by a machine at the BCA during the adjudication process.

The online form can be accessed at http://travel.state.gov/passport. Individuals can also download blank passport application forms from this website. Completed forms can be submitted to any of the nearly 6,000 passport application acceptance offices throughout the U.S., or at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.